Chris Waddle has expressed surprise at Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes, questioning where the midfielder would fit into Mikel Arteta's starting lineup. The former Newcastle winger's comments come as the Gunners close in on a £75million deal for the Brazil international.
Guimaraes set for Arsenal medical
Arsenal have agreed a fee with Newcastle for Guimaraes, and the 28-year-old is preparing for a medical this week. The reigning Premier League champions have been focused on securing the midfielder in recent days, with hopes of landing top target Vinicius Junior appearing to fade.
Guimaraes informed Newcastle of his desire to move to north London at the start of the summer, and he is expected to get his wish following a breakthrough in negotiations. He will depart St James' Park as the only Newcastle captain since 1955 to lift a domestic trophy, having led the club to Carabao Cup glory last year.
Waddle's doubts
Despite Arsenal's midfield depth, Waddle is puzzled by the move. 'I don't know where Bruno Guimaraes will play for Arsenal if he makes the move to north London,' Waddle told BetBrain. 'Declan Rice had a more advanced role last season and Martin Zubimendi sat deeper. They had a good midfield system last year, so you have to question where he'll fit in.'
'Guimaraes is an all-round player, he isn't scared in possession, and he's got the legs to go up and down the pitch. But Arsenal have already got very similar players so I'm quite surprised they've gone all in for him,' he added.
While Waddle acknowledges Guimaraes as a good acquisition for squad depth, he remains unsure about his role in the starting XI. 'There's no doubt he's a good acquisition if they're going to be challenging for three or four trophies next season, as they'll need to rest players. I don't know how he'll fit into the starting XI, though.'
Newcastle's frustration
Newcastle have reportedly been unimpressed with Arsenal's approach to the transfer. According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, the Magpies were confused by the lack of direct contact. 'This started six weeks ago when intermediaries, essentially middle men, contacted Newcastle and asked if Bruno Guimaraes would be available and could he go to Arsenal,' Downie explained.
'I think what perplexed Newcastle over the last five or six weeks is the way Arsenal have gone about things. There was no direct contact, no formal offer, everything was played out through intermediaries and that really confused Newcastle to an extent.'
Downie noted that Guimaraes will be a big miss, but the sale leaves Newcastle with funds, having brought in £245m combined for Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Guimaraes.
Arsenal's summer business
Guimaraes is set to become Arsenal's third new signing of the summer, following Christos Tzolis and free agent Illan Meslier. The Gunners have also activated their £35m option to sign Piero Hincapie outright from Bayer Leverkusen after his loan spell.
